I liked the Algarve at first sight—after which upon digging deeper, I sort of hated it. Actually, that’s a too dramatic. It wasn’t that I hated what I discovered as I drove from Praia da Marinha to Benagil Cave Beach. Rather, it was that the scene earlier than me—money-hungry parking attendants and tour operators, and a significant vacationer attraction inaccessible with out the services and products stated folks have been hawking—stood in stark distinction to its savage magnificence.
Is the Algarve value visiting throughout your journey to Portugal? Yes, completely, though I hope what I’m about to put in writing will set expectations that stop you from feeling as dissatisfied and confused as I did at turns.
Where to Stay within the Algarve
If you wish to set your self in order that, whenever you look again, you possibly can say the Algarve was value visiting, be sure to decide on the precise base. Many vacationers select motels or Airbnbs within the giant cities of Faro or Lagos (pronounced “La-goosh”), however I’m truly not an enormous fan of this technique. These cities are completely tremendous, in fact, however they’re additionally not the quietest or most comfy locations to retire after an enormous time out.
nstead, I’d counsel someplace nearer to the middle of the coast. One good spot is Albufeira, the place motels like Cerro da Marina (and loads of trip rental residences) jut up towards the city’s beautiful, half-moon seaside, itself not removed from main sights like Marina and Falésia Beaches. Carvoeiro is much more enticing, however can be smaller; motels similar to Villa Weltwishia might be costlier than related ones in different spots.
Where to Go within the Algarve
Praia da Falésia
For my cash, the vermillion cliffs of Praia da Falésia represent essentially the most lovely seaside within the Algarve, particularly contemplating how completely their rusty coloration contrasts with the blue-green hue of the clear water that laps at them. Conveniently, this seaside is lower than an hour from most main cities and cities within the Algarve, making it much more of a pleasure to go to.
Albufeira
As I discussed above, the city of Albufeira is among the locations you must think about basing your self if you wish to finish your journey believing that the Algarve is value visiting. Albufeira has all of it, from an ideal semi-circular seaside with loads of chairs for hire, to a whitewashed previous city stuffed with superior bars and eating places, to among the finest lodging alternatives on the whole coast.
Praia João de Arens
While not fairly as colourful as Praia da Falésia, João de Arens Beach is maybe much more visually beautiful, with rock formations that nearly really feel extraterrestrial. Do notice, nevertheless, that that is technically a nude seaside, and that some patrons do extra right here than merely strolling round of their birthday fits. If this makes you uncomfortable, don’t fear: It’s extra lovely seen from above on the viewpoint than from down at water stage.
Carvoeiro
Another of the cities that make the Algarve value visiting is Carvoeiro, which is positioned about midway between Albufeira and Lagos. As I discussed earlier on this piece, Carvoeiro’s charming smallness can be virtually tough, as there are comparatively few locations to remain. For many vacationers, it could make sense to return right here on a day journey, or just to have dinner or watch the sundown.
Praia da Marinha
Speaking of watching the sundown, Marinha Beach is a unbelievable place to do that, significantly in the event you stroll to the perspective close to the westernmost of its many outcroppings. Practically talking, this additionally isn’t removed from Benagil Cave Beach. Note that in the event you do determine to drive from right here to João Arens, you’re prone to see flamingoes simply off the causeway close to the town of Portimão.
How Many Days Do You Need within the Algarve?
Like Portugal extra broadly, the Algarve is means larger than it seems on the map. If you needed to see in every single place within the area, you’d want at the very least 3-4 days, and ideally a bit longer than that—you don’t wish to take a seaside trip with out having time to laze on the seaside, do you? However, on condition that most individuals solely spend per week or 10 days in Portugal as a complete, this kind of time scale is problematic.
The most prudent choice, then, is to trim down your Algarve bucket record solely to the necessities, and to remain 2-3 dasy on the most. I believe you’ll depart not solely feeling sure that the Algarve is value visiting, however with locations you’re nonetheless curious to go to on future journeys to the area. I can say from private expertise, to make certain, that your first go to right here virtually definitely received’t be your final.
FAQ on the Algarve
Is the Algarve too Touristy?
The Algarve is definitely touristy—there’s no technique to deny that. In explicit, Instagram-famous sights just like the Benagil Cave Beach are crowded and overpriced, and will depart you wishing you’d chosen one other vacation spot. On the opposite hand, it’s attainable to expertise The Algarve with out being overwhelmed by the crowds, specifically in the event you go to vacationer spots at off-peak occasions of day, and in the event you keep away from essentially the most well-known of them.
Why do folks go to Algarve?
European and UK vacationers go to the Algarve as a result of it’s a vacation spot that feels unique regardless of being just a few hours away by flight, normally an reasonably priced low-cost one. There’s additionally loads of lodging, scrumptious and reasonably priced native meals and sufficient fellow vacationers that it feels comfy, however not so many who it feels utterly synthetic.
Do they converse English within the Algarve?
Because the Algarve has been so common amongst British and Northern European vacationers for thus a few years, the overwhelming majority of individuals you encounter as a customer can converse superb English. While having some fundamental Portuguese phrases will get you a number of goodwill, it’s not vital so that you can be anyplace near fluent.
The Bottom Line
So, is the Algarve value visiting? Yes, however not with out preconditions. First of all, you must metal your self for simply how touristic many of the area is in comparison with a lot of the remainder of Portugal. Unless you’re amenable to scams and vacationer journeys, it’s possible you’ll wish to keep away from Instagram-famous spots like Benagil Cave Beach, and as an alternative select extra pure locations like Praia da Falesia. I’d additionally in all probability suggest solely visiting the Algarve in your journey to Portugal, except you’re coming from someplace in Europe with direct flights, and solely have a weekend at your disposal.
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Robert Schrader is a journey author and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications similar to “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the way in which. His weblog, Leave Your Daily Hell, gives a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays masking the extra esoteric points of life as a traveler.